The former captain and seasoned wicketkeeper-batter of Pakistan, Sarfaraz Ahmed is confident in his team’s ability to challenge Australia in the upcoming Test series. Despite acknowledging Australia’s strong batting lineup and their formidable record at home, Sarfaraz believes that Pakistan’s batters, including talents like Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique, are well-prepared for the challenge.
In a statement to reporters before their practice four-day game against PM XI on December 6, Sarfaraz expressed his confidence.
“We have skilled batters just like Australia. With Abdullah, Babar, Imam, Saud, and Agha on our team, we are ready for the challenge,” he said.
Even with the absence of Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz asserted that Pakistan possesses a formidable bowling attack.
“Shaheen and Hasan stand out, and players like Mir Hamza, Khurram Shehzad, and Faheem (Ashraf) have proven themselves in domestic competitions,” he added.
Addressing the recent transition in captaincy, where Babar Azam stepped down as Pakistan’s all-format captain, Sarfaraz emphasized the smooth transition within the team.
“Leading your country is always an honour, and I extend my congratulations to Shan Masood for his role. The camaraderie among Babar Azam, Muhammad Hafeez, and Shan Masood reflects the strong bond within our team,” he added.
Looking ahead to the first Test of the series scheduled in Perth on December 14, Sarfaraz and the Pakistani team are gearing up for a competitive challenge against Australia.